Krabi Travel Guide
City City in Krabi, Thailand
Karst cliffs and turquoise bays frame Krabi’s appeal: rock climbers at Railay, longtail boats to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, hot springs and night markets serving grilled seafood.
Why Visit Krabi? #
Limestone cliffs, turquoise bays and a laid-back island-hopping vibe make Krabi a magnet for beach and adventure travelers. Rock climbers head to Railay Beach for its overhanging routes, while Ao Nang serves as a lively base for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands and nearby mangrove trails. Food is a highlight too - expect fresh seafood, spicy tom yum and bustling night markets in Krabi Town. Expect relaxed days and dramatic seascapes.
Top Things to Do in Krabi
All Attractions ›
.jpg?width=600)
- Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Beach - Cliff-fringed beaches accessible by longtail boat, excellent for rock climbing and swimming.
- Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) - Steep staircase to a hilltop Buddha shrine offering panoramic views of Krabi's landscape.
- Krabi Town Night Market - Bustling weekend market with local food stalls, crafts, and live Muay Thai demonstrations.
- Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) - Clear mineral-rich pool set inside lush forest, great for a serene swim and photos.
- Koh Klang village - Traditional Muslim fishing village across from Krabi Town with mangrove walks and crafts.
- Khao Khanap Nam caves - Twin limestone cliffs flanking the Krabi River containing caves and prehistoric fossils inside.
- Phi Phi Islands - Famous islands reachable by speedboat, ideal for snorkeling, Maya Bay and limestone scenery.
- Hong Islands (Ao Phang Nga) - Secluded archipelago in Than Bok Khorani, known for clear lagoons and quiet beaches.
- Koh Lanta - Laid-back island with long beaches, diving sites, and relaxed seafood restaurants by sea.
Best Time to Visit Krabi #
Visit Krabi between November and February for warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and calm seas - perfect for beaches and island tours. Expect hot, humid weather and occasional heavy rains from May through October.
Best Time to Visit Krabi #
Krabi's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2129 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The driest month with just 29 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (303 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (331 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Krabi
Krabi is usually reached by air at Krabi International Airport (KBV); Phuket (HKT) is a common alternative for connections. There is no direct national rail service to Krabi - most overland arrivals are by bus or van.
Krabi International Airport (KBV): Krabi’s own airport is the most convenient arrival point for Krabi town, Ao Nang and the nearby islands. Shared airport vans/minibuses run from outside the terminal to Krabi Town and Ao Nang - fares are typically around 150-300 THB and journey times are about 20-40 minutes to Krabi Town and 30-50 minutes to Ao Nang. Metered taxis and private transfers are available; expect roughly 600-900 THB to Ao Nang depending on time and luggage, about 30-45 minutes.
Phuket International Airport (HKT): Phuket is a common alternative if you find cheaper flights; transfers from Phuket to Krabi are by bus, private transfer or ferry (via land+sea connections). Coach or shuttle transfers to Krabi town and Ao Nang typically take 2.5-4 hours and cost roughly 300-900 THB depending on operator and whether the route includes a ferry leg.
Train: Krabi has no long-distance rail station; the nearest mainline rail is in Surat Thani (Surat Thani Railway Station) if you are coming by train from Bangkok. From Surat Thani you can transfer by bus or minivan to Krabi - combined travel (train + bus) is common but slow (total door-to-door often 6-8+ hours) and prices depend on the train class plus a bus ticket.
Bus: Regular long-distance buses and private minivans connect Krabi with Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal/Bangkok, 10-12 hours), Surat Thani, and Phuket. Ticket prices vary by class and operator: expect roughly 400-800 THB for long-distance coaches from major cities, with travel times of several hours depending on origin. Local public minibuses and songthaews handle most trips inside Krabi province.
How to Get Around Krabi #
Krabi town is compact and pleasantly walkable around the riverside and main market area; many visitors walk between the town centre and the riverfront. Local transport options include songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) and metered taxis for short trips, plus motorbike rentals (expect ~250-400 THB/day) for more flexibility. Ferries and longtail boats link Krabi to nearby islands and Ao Nang; expect island transfers and private boats to cost significantly more than land transport. Practical tips: always agree or check the meter before you ride, carry cash for small fares, and wear a helmet on rental bikes.
Where to Stay in Krabi #
- Slumber Party Hostel Ao Nang - Party-friendly dorms, great location
- Aonang Backpacker Hostel - Basic rooms and shared facilities
- Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi - Family-friendly resort on private beach
- Deevana Plaza Krabi Ao Nang - Comfortable rooms, good location
- Rayavadee - High-end beachfront villas and cliffs
- The Ritz-Carlton, Krabi - Luxury resort with extensive amenities
Where to Eat in Krabi #
- Lae Lay Grill (Ao Nang) - Seafood with panoramic sunset views.
- The Grotto (Rayavadee) - Dining inside a cliffside grotto.
- Ao Nang beachfront stalls - Casual grilled seafood along the sand.
- Krabi Town Walking Street (Night Market) - Weekend market for local eats.
- Krabi town Thai eateries - Small restaurants serving southern Thai specialties.
- Ao Nang street-food stalls - Late-night snacks and noodle bowls.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Krabi's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Krabi #
Nightlife in Krabi town is relaxed - think riverside bars, casual beer gardens and a weekend night market rather than big clubs. For more active evening scenes and beachfront bars, most visitors head to nearby Ao Nang. If you want live music or a late bar crawl, plan to be in Ao Nang or on island hotspots rather than Krabi town itself.
Shopping in Krabi #
Krabi’s shopping is focused on the town’s markets and small shops rather than large malls. Weekday stalls and the weekend walking-night market sell street food, beachwear, souvenirs, and locally made crafts. If you’re looking for essentials or travel gear you’ll find small shops in the town centre; for more choice, Ao Nang has more tourist-focused shops and boutiques.
